Alfred had been receptive to her idea of a unit medical clinic, a place for their wounded to recover under her care. While she was no doctor (her plans in that direction had been rudely interrupted by the events of the Atlantis expedition), Myriam was a registered nurse with paramedic training.
She'd given him a list, he was checking it twice. Some western thing....
And the kitchen was now hers.
Myriam smiled grimly as she attacked the dilapidated, dingy, and decrepit cooking and dining facility with elbow grease, bleachwater, and zeal. Only men would live like this.
Eerily, the smile she wore as she went to war with the tiled flooring armed only with a scrubbrush and armored only by rubber gloves was just short of fanatic.
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
The report was passed along to a colleague of Alfreds at Paragon University. There it was broken down, examined and several computer models were put together.
Breeding.
Im sorry? Mystic tilted his head, paging through the Tome of Empires while Satanz little helper lay draped over a chair, sleeping in his office.
Theyre engineered to breed, quickly and thrive in whatever environment theyre placed in. Thats why the hydra DNA. Someone, or something wants the sewers flooded with reptiles. Mystic took notes on a pad next to the tome. At first glance it looks like theyre trying to combine human and reptile DNA, but the markers are all wrong for that. The sequences would be very difficult to combine with humans, theyre open ended. What this does, is force mutation, but theyre closing rapidly. Id say, if your sample is a month old approximately, then you have about three more weeks before these creatures evolve into a life form that will be VERY hard to get out of the sewers of Kings Row.
The mage shook his head. Why? Are they going to grow into huge beasts? Are they going to release some poison cloud that drowns the city?
Not at all. Though individually, each might be formidable, they will reach an equilibrium with their environment and simply become part of the flora and fauna.
This makes no sense. The mage closed the tome and sent it to its secret hiding place.
I concur, Alfred. But then, Im just a scientist, youre the superhero. I have to get back and clean the lab, lest someone find out about my interest in your report. I hope this helped.
I appreciate it more than you could possibly imagine. Good day, friend. And then he had it. One, big, useless piece of an increasingly difficult puzzle was now sitting on his desk like a rock. He needed help. More help.
Smurd, Mr. John Smurd. Laughter broke out through the gang of Skulls. One teared so badly he couldnt see straight to aim his weapon anymore. The warehouse was entirely deserted except for Smurd and the seven men. Mr. Smurd wore a dark blue uniform jacket, costume pants and a cape. His cape covered with the same symbols as Mystic Infernos, flapped behind him slightly. His costume was quite impressive. He
wasnt.
A bookish man, in his thirties, Smurd hadnt exactly been born into being a hero. Even now he wasnt certain he had the stomach for it. But when the first shot went off, impacting on his armor, the energy of his forefathers kicked in. His blade quickly leaped to his hands, the jacket and pants disappeared to be replaced with dark grey armor, and he was in amongst them, blade whistling by, through, and between them.
Soon, only the teary eyed one was left whole. His shock and astonishment showing on his blood splattered face. Smurd held the sword to his forehead, point first. The gun made a clatter on the ground when it hit.
What
are you doing here? Smurd still didnt SOUND impressive, but the Skull was terrified enough by the spectacle that he dared not argue at swordpoint.
Im just a junior member! We just joined, the seven of us, from the old neighborhood. We havent even had that much superdine yet. Ive only had seven injections myself, please dont kill me! The thug was facing a hero that regularly tangled with Crey agents, where he had to hang out at the punk end of Perez Park just to avoid being beaten up by his own gang members for sport. It really wasnt fair. But tonight wasnt about fair, tonight was about not screwing up a simple mission for an old friend. The point drew blood, and the question didnt need to be asked again. Changing billing labels. Were CHANGING BILLING LABELS OH GOD DONT KILL ME!
A pommel to the head, a quick search for the billing labels on his person, and a tag to the zig later, and Smurd was on his way.
Smurd stood in line for a long time waiting for his superhero registration card. The entire time he tried to think of some name that sounded super-heroish. When he arrived at the front, though, it was his own name he gave. You dont have to be creative to fight crime.
No no no, youre in that group over there. One of the hero corps facilitators directed Smurd away from heroes like Dark Shadow, Nightshade, Shield of Justice, and Liberty Belle. He found himself amongst a group of heroes that were
different. He looked left at the girl with the bow, dressed entirely in purple, and the man to his right, with ram horns, a orange and green polkadotted shirt, and armored leggings of a robotic nature. The goat droid thing was jumping up and down in anticipation of being briefed.
The woman looked at him, hello, Im the purple arrower.
Oh, hi! Im Mega Volt293, said the hero to his right.
Charmed. Mr. John Smurd. He had suddenly regretted his decision.
The purple arrower leaned over and whispered in his ear. I think were in the wrong group, some of these heroes seem
weird.
Smurd began coughing. You dont say.
Inauspicious as his start may have been, Smurds power and desire to use it for good are undeniable. So when Mystic reluctantly called upon him, he was happy to answer that call. Actually, he missed the call, as he was collecting statesman comics down the street, but he got the voicemail. And when destiny leaves you a voicemail, damn it, you call it right back! And
if necessary, leave a voicemail of your own.
Mystic listened to Smurds report in his office, and looked a the billing labels. Somethings going on here. Theyre keeping us distracted while they do something. Unless this station gets flooded with superheroes, were going to have to find a way to deal with these distractions and find the real plot.
You can count on me, my mystic mentor. Smurd stood almost at attention.
Brilliant. I suppose we should introduce you to whomevers about. Mystic opened his office door, noting that his passing didnt disturb the imps slumber.
As the office door opens, Abrahms tutns to look at at Mystic as he steps out with the caped man in towe. "Everything ok Mystic?" He looked down at the desk then back to Mystic. "Sting is still in the hospital, Rough Justice and Newton are there as well. Myriam is feild daying the kitchen and dining areas, and i am on gaurd duty." He finnishes with a nod.
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
RJ looked up as the door opened, leaning back against the wall as he hears Newtons voice. He was back in the black cargo pants and shirt with the blood red mask and scales on his chest. "Not bad man, but he is recovering awfully slowly. He must have been one messed up unit, I must have thrown him to hard." He shakes his head, feeling some guilt in the state of The Poision Sting.
"So have i missed anything back at the shop. We had an attempt on Stings life that first night, poor guy ended up jumping out the window over his failure. Probably afraid to face the music due to a job not completed." He looks at sting then out and down the window he was standing beside. "I think there will be more attemps, we need an infirmary in the 2 6 for all of us so we can heal up in privacy and some sort of security" Rough Justice stretches, his full height being close to if not greater then 7' but not the massive blocks of some of the heroes in Paragon. From a distance hed look normal it is only when he was close or beside something to give a size perspective, did it become painfully obvious he was not normal.
" Hey Newton can you sit here for an hour or so I'd like to speak to some of the skulls I know. I let one get away, the other night for later interigation." The predatory smile that slowly crept to his lips did not touch the eyes behind that garish skull mask.
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
[ QUOTE ]
"I think there will be more attemps, we need an infirmary in the 2 6 for all of us so we can heal up in privacy and some sort of security"
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I agree with the infirmary and the security. I bet we could finish clearing out that third floor and set an infirmary up there, Newton mused.
[ QUOTE ]
" Hey Newton can you sit here for an hour or so I'd like to speak to some of the skulls I know. I let one get away, the other night for later interrogation." The predatory smile that slowly crept to his lips did not touch the eyes behind that garish skull mask.
[/ QUOTE ]
Sure, Ill sit here. I have no trouble with that. He grinned at the skull-masked hero. Go bang some of the Skulls skulls together and get us some information. Just dont get dead.
"Everything ok Mystic?" The mage smiled under his mask.
"Quite alright." He listened to the report. "I've felt since we've arrived here that we've been pushed back onto the ropes and not been given a moment to get our bearings. My question is 'why'. Mr. John Smurd here, a member of my failed attempt at starting a group of dogooders, will be assisting us in that task. Mr. Smurd is every bit as powerful as I am, if not an archmage, and handy with a sword. He'll help out where he can in gathering information, but that should be our primary concern right now."
Mystic hovered forward. "It appears that Mr. Smurd has uncovered something of a smuggling ring, coming in through Talos Island and Independence Port. Mr. Smurd, this is Abrahms. Ex military and extremely dangerous, as well as neigh on indestructible. Abrahms, I want you to take Smurd with you, and determine who is working with Recluse's men in those areas. I'll take care of keeping the home fires burning."
Mystic then set about procuring the items on Myriam's list. Many could be sent out for, some he had to wake the imp up and give him a list and some money. "Now don't be rude, and for goodness sake don't scare anyone. Here's some money, don't eat it."
At the last, Satanz gave a sideways look and snarled slightly. "I've dealt with money for longer than your race has walked upright..." he thought to himself before smiling once again and then porting out toward the store.
Abrahms stood and reached out a hand. "good to meet you Mr. Smurd, let me change into my info gathering uniform and we'll get going." As he step out from under the flouresent light the glow and sparkle coming off his pearson becomes apparent. He then disapears upthe stairs, returning five minutes later in BDU pants shirts and his highly polished black tanker boots.
"Ok Smurd ready to travel, by the way how do you travel, I just kind of hop along. Bounding I have heard it called."
((ooc Go ahead and lead off he will of course follow, by now most of you know how Abe does thing so if need be please feel fre to add in things needed to advance the story line. Remebeing I live in New Zealan so timing is not always kind to the continuity)
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
Sean nodded to the green haired out of shape hero. As he left the hospital he could not help but think over that word. Hero he wanted to clean up the streets so nobody else had to loose family the way he did. The worst day of his life, was when he woke from his coma, right here in this very hospital. The news came from a police officer who told him two things that filled in the events that transpired after he had been hit by the super chick Halo Jones. That he had been knocked into a vat of the newest version of Superdyne, jokingly called Ultradyne. The contusions, cuts and abrasion from his fight with Radiation Roy, Halo Jones and Disease Eater had absorbed the raw formula directly into his bloodstream as well as the amount he swallowed. After Halo fished him out of the soups DE used his power to regenerate and heal his wounds. Unknown to everyone concerned at that point the Ultra dyne was highly contaminated by the two Radiation projectors, that on top of DE rad healing treatment, changed his physiology and a genetic lvl. Ah what a memory, the doctor and the police, and the rep from Hero affairs. The doctor was so sorry to tell me that I had been mutated through a freak science accident. The police Lt. explained how it was unfortunate that I did my entire stretch in a coma, and I couldnt be held any longer. The hero affairs explaining that I had a choice, join them or get put in the Zigg ultra containment area, when I next broke the law.
He can remember being so psyched that he would be able to help get his gang out of Kings Row and up town where the real money was. Then the cop spoke up again, I am sorry to have to tell you this
then he laid it out. The whole thing, how the Skull Marrow sucker thought him a failure and had his Mom, and little sister killed because of his failure. He was supposed to die in the coma, so it was a good way to make a point to never fail the Skulls. Marrow learned as did the rest of his old crew, he wasnt dead and they had made a huge mistake. It took time for him to verify those police reports, and in that time he had done hero work. Some said he was more vigilante then hero, so what he got the job done cleaned up the street. He knew how soft the system was from personal experience. His taking care of Marrow ended up putting him in the 2 6, not a bad group. But Sting and he were the bad element, Newton might try for the hard case act. But he was a hero, as was the goody grunt Abrahms.
He was on the street outside the old warehouse. He mustve gotten there on auto pilot the memories still fresh in his mind as he grabs the door and with a tug pulls the door free from the building; it flew halfway across the parking lot sparks flying skidded to a halt ¾ of the way across. The anger fully rekindled against these one time friends and brothers he enters ready to deal his own justice. As heal stalks through the warehouse, he smells the stench of blood and defecation, a very bad combination.
The stench increased as he got deeper into the old building, the crumple vats for the production of dyne still lay there in ruin. A worry starts to grow within him; it is to quiet the smell of death hangs in the air, and it just feels wrong. As he comes around the last corner to where his office was, a site right out of a horror shows greats his eyes.
Five bloated and partially dissected bodies hang from the roof. All hope of questioning these guys left him along with his lunch. He called the 2 6, hey Mystic I need to report a murder. No I didnt do it, at least a day ago. I came here to ask some of the old gang who hired them. Obviously someone else wanted info also, and made sure no one else could ask as well. He describes the basics and gives him the address before returning to the hospital.
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
Newton sat patiently with Sting, watching the television that was up over the bed. He took a snickers bar out of his pocket. You know, Sting, youre not a very stimulating conversationalist in this state, he said good naturedly. Im not sure what your favorite channel is, but Im sure that something good could be on the Hero Channel.
He pursed his lips as he flipped over to it. An expose on the Whitmoore Apartments? I dont think so. The green-haired hero flipped until he found Cartoon Network. Hey, how about a little Adult Swim. Newton sat back with a grin, glancing to see if Sting had any reaction at all.
"Hmm... I wonder what would happen if I did this," Brian asked the skull as he extended his hand to his side and bent the fingers like a claw at the ground.
A black circle surrounded the Skull who had never been more scared in his life. The pavement bubbled and burned around the evildoer. He screamed in fear and Brian placd a finger over his lips to indicate silence. The man's screams turned into a soft whimper.
"Now..." Brian joked, "How would this look if the rest of your Skully friends found you crying in a ring of fire, hmmm?"
"Come on man... I don't know anything. I just joined this whole gang last week. I've spent my time guarding doors and knowing nothing," the junior Skull cried out his words as sweat dripped down his face.
The black circle was now aflame and rose to the villain's knees. Brian gave a discerning look at the young gangmember and shook his head, "Yea... you're right... you don't know anything about the fires, do you?"
The furious shakes of the Skull's head were a mixture of fear and plea-bargaining. Brian decided that his investigation was done and walked toward the Security Gate.
"Hey wait," the Skull cried, "what about me? How do you get rid of this thing?"
Brian gave half a smile and turned around, his accent shining through, "Well, I would say piss it away, but its a little too late for that, huh," Brian replied as he pointed at the young man's pants and turned again to walk away.
"I'm sure you'll figure something out."
[ QUOTE ]
Newton sat patiently with Sting, watching the television that was up over the bed. He took a snickers bar out of his pocket. You know, Sting, youre not a very stimulating conversationalist in this state, he said good naturedly. Im not sure what your favorite channel is, but Im sure that something good could be on the Hero Channel.
He pursed his lips as he flipped over to it. An expose on the Whitmoore Apartments? I dont think so. The green-haired hero flipped until he found Cartoon Network. Hey, how about a little Adult Swim. Newton sat back with a grin, glancing to see if Sting had any reaction at all.
[/ QUOTE ]
%$#& you Newton, Im never a good conversationalist. Sting said weakly. And I hate the Hero Channel, so Cartoon Network is good.
Sting moved a bit in his bed and grimaced in pain. Wow, RJ is really freaking strong. Next time tell him to throw Mystic maybe itll knock some sense into him. Sting chuckled a bit.
So when the heck can I get out of here? Hospitals and me dont get along well.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
%$#& you Newton, Im never a good conversationalist. Sting said weakly. And I hate the Hero Channel, so Cartoon Network is good.
[/ QUOTE ]
A relieved grin appeared on Newtons face. Welcome back, Sting. This is a good episode of Cowboy Bebop, so enjoy.
[ QUOTE ]
Sting moved a bit in his bed and grimaced in pain. Wow, RJ is really freaking strong. Next time tell him to throw Mystic maybe itll knock some sense into him. Sting chuckled a bit.
So when the heck can I get out of here? Hospitals and me dont get along well.
[/ QUOTE ]
Do you and anything get along well? Newton asked as he rose. Let me fetch a doc. He stopped and glanced at the insect man. Unless, of course, you want me to just float you, the bed, and everything else nearby out of here and back to the Two Six. The grin on his face widened. Oooo, that would irritate the docs and administrators, wouldnt it.
[ QUOTE ]
Do you and anything get along well? Newton asked as he rose.
[/ QUOTE ]
No, so dont push it. He chuckled again.
[ QUOTE ]
Let me fetch a doc. He stopped and glanced at the insect man. Unless, of course, you want me to just float you, the bed, and everything else nearby out of here and back to the Two Six. The grin on his face widened. Oooo, that would irritate the docs and administrators, wouldnt it.
[/ QUOTE ]
Heh yeah, it would. Sounds good to me. Sting sat up a little more. His tough hide had not fully healed but he could at least move without being in extreme pain. He flexed his arms and legs gingerly, noting what hurt.
Well much to the disappointment of many, I think I am going to survive. We should go give the bad news to Mystic. Im sure my recovery would be faster if I can be around to be a thorn in his side.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
Well much to the disappointment of many, I think I am going to survive. We should go give the bad news to Mystic. Im sure my recovery would be faster if I can be around to be a thorn in his side.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, Im sure Crey and the insect-beyotch from Hades are both going to be frustrated, Newton said as he swung the window wide open. An alarm went off, and Newton hopped on the bed. Lets blow this pop-cycle stand, he said. He spread his hands, and the bed started to float. The bed flew away, electrical equipment and monitoring devices detaching from the frame and the patient. The last plug to let go was the nurses call button. Oops, Newton said mildly. I forgot to return the remote. With the bed still floating away from the hospital, the green haired man turned looked back towards the hospital and tossed the remote back at the building. A gravity wave caught it and the remote landed on the window sill as a couple nurses leaned out to see where the bed had gone.
Sit back and enjoy the moon, the stars, and the occasional fiery hero flying by, Newton said with a grin. We should be there in a few minutes. Then Mystic can chew me out and send me to bed with no supper. Newton frowned for a moment. Actually, thats more a more serious punishment for me than going to fight the Countess.
A flying bed I feel like Im in a Disney movie. Sting slumped back down on the bed shaking his head. He hadnt really believed that Newton would actually fly the bed out the window and back to the Two Six. But hey, who was he to complain?
He still hurt pretty bad, but wasnt going to let on too much so he relaxed and watched the Kings Row scenery pass by.
Speaking of dinner, lets order out something when we get back, Im starving. That is unless you want to swing by the hospital cafeteria for some fine hospital food.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Newton shuddered. Please! You almost made me lose concentration on keeping the bed in the air! Are you trying to make me ill? Hospital food?!? He looked down at the streets below them. Just a second. Theres a place called the Tastee Diner. What do you? Ill fetch it for you.
(OOC: Hooray for the Tastee Diner! Dani lives. Your drinks will be frosty and the burgers the best in town, Ike is still working the grill.)
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
When Smurd called, he sounded out of breath. It appears that one of the shipments came from a Mercy Island. Now heres where it gets strange. Some Crey guys were here trying to STOP a shipment from coming in, from the same island. AND, Azurias name is on the billing label. The ship is the Ortango Ruiz, and its coming from Cartagena. It should be on its way to the Talos Island western docks in the next twenty minutes, but Im too far away, plus I have to tie things up here. Can you
Of course, Im there straight away. Mystic didnt even let him finish his sentence.
Good luck, my mystic mentor. The line went dead. Mystic stood from his desk and levitated the imp off the chair. Are you deceased? Oh, good, youre moving. No one is to get in our out of this building until I return, unless theyre part of the Two Six staff, understood?
The imp rolled over to face him in mid air, then spun upright and landed on the ground soundlessly as Mystic let the spell go. Satanz little helper rubbed the sleep from his eyes and then nodded at the mage. I understand, master. As you wish, master.
Mystic flew toward the dock, keeping low to avoid the eyes of anyone watching his approach. As he came over a large building though, he was briefly visible to the agent that was looking out for him.
Target approaching the building. The infiltrator called out.
Well done, I would have thought there would be no way for him to make the distance in time. It seems your strategy of holding off may yet pay off. Her mock admiration was wasted on Agent Dorn. Her opinion meant less than nothing to him. She was only his peer for a moment.
It wasnt that he thought she slept her way to the top, or had an uncle who was high up in Crey, he viewed everyone as inferior. He was devilishly clever, and Machiavellian to boot. As he watched the projected trajectory, he noted some distinctive differences in the costume of the hero in the brief glance that he got as Mystic passed in front of a hastily set up security camera.
Mystic noticed the camera, sitting unattended by a vent, and melted it from behind. For a split second before the picture went out, there was light. This wasnt lost on Agent Dorn at all.
Looks like he found one of your cameras, I dont think your idea is going to be as effective. Perhaps we should switch to my idea. Tina gloated. She was hating having to prove herself time and time again. She was beautiful, she was as smart as Countess Crey, SMARTER even! There was no reason that the entire company shouldnt just bow down and worship her as she was, or so she thought. But no, there were to be endless tasks set before her to be done to prove her greatness. And despite what others call failures, she refers to them as incompetent subordinates and poor intel, she still felt that she was so much more qualified for leadership than anyone else, that she shouldnt have to suffer with these common soldiering swine any longer. And because of her willingness to go to bed with high ranking males in Crey, she had forged a reasonably powerful position.
But Agent Dorn wasnt unaware of how power was attained. He had made promises, and then set about making them come true. He had also worked very hard at killing anyone who knew of his betrayals and making sure they stayed dead.
I concur, wholeheartedly. As a matter of fact, Im going to go secure the transportation, you may have sole control of the recovery team. Agent Dorn folded up his laptop and headed for the car with his personal assistant in tow. One of the Paragon Protectors, named Stitch, noted the sudden chain of command with uneasiness.
Well, that was easy. Tina smiled a smug, self satisfied smile. Put the trap in place. Release the bait.
Azuria was pushed out into the center of the loading area by the crate she was there to sign for. A snakelike man, with a tail instead of legs, and a viper like head, was pulled from the darkness and slumped over the crate. He was barely moving. Mystic Inferno pulled the Broadsword hed been loaned by some people he helped on Croa Toa. He hoped the flashing blade had struck fear into the hearts of the enemy enough that it could be used as a way to ward off attack, and thereby violence. He was wholly and completely wrong.
As Mystic flew in the big, open warehouse loading area, he looked about at the dark stacks of crates before touching down in front of an extremely nervous Azuria. The sound of a cannon going off over head startled him into looking up as the cage came crashing into the cement floor around Mystic. The sides were too close together to get a good swing with the sword, and the material didnt look like steel anyway.
Crey security rushed in from all sides, staying out of arms of the cage. Tina walked out from behind a crate, flanked by two paragon protectors. Mystic looked in Azurias eyes, Im sorry they plead.
He looked at the snake man, dangerous by design, but nearly unconscious here. He felt the reptilian held answers to what plagued Kings Row. There were twenty five security officers and one Crisis Unit surrounding Mystic. He slowly lowered his blade.
Thats a good boy, Smurd. Weve heard youve been a problem recently. Came out of nowhere to suddenly cause us a little bit of difficulty? You thought that would go unnoticed? Those bars cannot be cut through, the alloy is extremely resistant to kinetic damage, of course you pay a price in other areas, but that hardly matters to you, does it Smurd? She smiled at the cowled figure, Mystic simply looked at the ground, letting the sword fall from his hand. Bind him.
Both Paragon Protectors stepped forward to place restraints on Smurd, when Stitch saw something that didnt sit well. The swordsman looked different than the pictures in the file. There was a red light coming from the hood, and as Stitch stopped, and the other Protector continued to within arms reach of the cage, Mystic turned and looked at him. The light from the red glow in Mystics eyes showed the sudden realization on Tinas face, as she held a hand up in front of her in horror.
Mystic lowered himself to a knee, and a blast of super hot flame shot out in all directions. Most of the security forces were charred skeletons, clattering to the floor with melted weapons. Some were far away to simply have expired from the flames and heat. Only two escaped with major burns. Tinas assistant threw himself in front of her as the flames approached. He was roasted, but his effort saved Tinas life, though she was now screaming and on fire. Mystic had commanded the magic not to harm Azuria, the crate or the reptilian man.
The Paragon Protector nearest Mystic, dropped the shackles and drew forth claws. He slashed at Mystic, but the mage simply stepped back, and the claws deflected lightly off the bars. Mystic breathed flame over him, catching Stitch too. Then, one powerful bolt of fire dropped the closest Paragon Protector, and Stitch knew what had to be done.
Azuria, ripped open the crate as three vipers leaped from the shadows, engaging the Crey Crisis Unit from behind. The bars were melting, and Mystic had held his arms out to his sides and set the area immediately around him on fire, melting the remainder of the bars and causing the roof to fall on his head and shoulders before he could push it off on the ground. He retrieved the sword and looked around.
Azurias hands were glowing, the crate was empty and the snake man was gone. The Crey Crisis Unit had dispatched two of the vipers, the third was fighting for its life with a vengeance.
Mystic unleashed a torrent of flame that swept around the Crisis Unit, overheating him and causing him to pass out. The two remaining guards were lying on the ground screaming or moaning. Tina and Stitch were gone.
The remaining viper turned and slipped back into the shadows, as Azuria approached him. Thank you Mystic Inferno. Ill never forget this. And with that, she disappeared, leaving him alone, in a warehouse, with an empty crate, and no answers.
As he slid the sword away, hidden eyes watched through golden gilded slits from the shadows. Sirens blared in the distance, coming closer. Mystic decided that it would be best if this one werent explained. He launched himself out of the warehouse and into the night sky. Why are there always more questions than answers?
Newton floated down from the bed, leaving the convalescing Sting to stare at the sky.
He landed in front of the diner and walked in.
A young waitress with pink hair was taking an order from one of the tables where a group of college students were studying. She glanced up as he walked in, smiled at him and motioned him to have a seat. He sat on one of the stools.
The waitress went behind the counter, put the order up, and then turned to Newton. What can I get you, sir.
He glanced at her nametag. Well, Dani, Id like six cheeseburgers, three helpings of fries, a chocolate shake, and a Mountain Dew. And this order is to go. I have a sick friend who is just hanging out right now. He glanced up briefly with a grin.
Dani wrote down the order and handed it to the tattooed cook. I hope your friend gets better, she said as she returned to the counter.
He does, too, Newton said with a grin. If you take a peek out your window and look up, youll see him. He s the one floating on the bed.
Dani glanced up and caught a glimpse of Sting looking down at the diner. You two are from the Two Six, arent you, she said.
Newton looked a little startled. Yes, we are.
Mr. Chan the grocer says that you are a first rate customer, Newtons Apple.
Aw, hes just being kind. Newton patted his stomach. He likes me because I spend a lot of money in his store. He smelled the burger grilling. And if those burgers taste as good as they smell, Ill probably be spending a lot of money in here, too.
"Ike is a master," Dani laughed. "And we'll encourage the 'spending lots of money here' part as well."
A few minutes later, Newton was floating back up to Sting and handed him on of the burgers. The green-haired mutant took a bite and then sighed happily. That Ike behind the counter really knows how to cook a good burger.
In Atlas Park, Brian stopped by the Shave 'n' Ice vendor to pick up a tasty treat. He found a nearby bench to sit at to take a small break and enjoy the cool refreshment. His spoon dipped into the flavored ice and as it reached his mouth, he felt his phone vibrate and at that moment he knew he had wasted his money.
"I hope this is good," Brian asnwerd as he wated a fly peruse around his cup of strawberry shaved ice.
"Whether it is or isn't, thats not how you answer me," the voice on the other end said.
Brian sat up straight and wiped his mouth, "Commish... I-I-uhh... I didn't know..."
"Doesn't your phone have caller ID," the harsh voice said, "Why don't you use it sometime."
Brian had no comeback or excuse, "Yes sir," his British accent was waving and embarrased.
"To the point, I need you to hit up some docks thay seem to be under attack. Azuria is being held hostage there and we're not sure we have the proper firepower to sustain the situation. so drop what you're doing and get there now."
"But sir," Brian replied and strted his way toward the tram Station, "what about the Perez Arsons?"
"Are you not hearing the words that are coming out of mouth? If you want to pay the rent, you'll do what I say. You're off that case. Higgins has it now."
Higgins, Brian thought as he reached the train, He's a complete and total screw-up. They'll never solve the case that way.
"Although we'll never get the case solved because he's such a screw-up, he needs something to do... get this doen so you can get back on the case," it was as if Commissioner Rodriguez heard his thoughts. Brian eneterd the train and found a seat next to an elderly woman who gave him a polite smile and averted her eyes back to the ground.
"Ok sir," Brian said, "I'm on my way, "Just be sure to have my check in the mail."
"You just be sure to solve this case," it was the last thing Brian heard before a click.
As he slid the sword away, hidden eyes watched through golden gilded slits from the shadows. Sirens blared in the distance, coming closer. Mystic decided that it would be best if this one werent explained. He launched himself out of the warehouse and into the night sky. Why are there always more questions than answers?
Brian arrived at the western docks in Talos just in time to see the fresh remnants of blackened bones and wind blown ash floating in the water. The scene was an apparent massacre and that was it. Nothing seemed to be taken and that rose a slight suspicion in Brian's mind. He ordered the rest of the Bluecoats to search the are for any live bodies as he also walked the docks for clues.
Portions of the wood along the docks were burnt and ready to give way at the slightest movement or breath. Brian walked along the edge of the dock walkway and knelt to the edge once he came to the end. He watched as a broken femur, charred and cracked, floated in the water.
An officer's voice broke his concentration, "Sir I think you might want to see this."
Brian turned on his knees to see the direction of the officer's concern. There was a Crey Crisis Unit that laid unconscious next to...
Is that a... lizard man?
Brian concernedly walked near the Unit and motioned to another officer for gloves. The policeman complied and handed him a fresh pair. As Brian put on the latex gloves, he got down on a knee and shileded his eyes as the wind blew some ash from the battel into his direction. After it had cleared, he turned the shoulder of the Unit and examined it for life. Nothing. The lizard man was even worse off than the suited soldier.
A relenetless sigh from Brian followed him as he stood up, "Clean this up, I want a report on my desk in hours," Brian stated.
"Yes sir," one of the officers replied, "Alright people lets wrap this up."
Brian walked toward the start of the docks and viwed the building that stood adjacent to it. In a corner of the building, he could see a blackened area that didn't look like it belonged. Brian ran over to it and examined it. A securtiy camera.
"Ellison," Brian said to the lead team officer.
"Proceeding sir," Ellison ran over and looked up at what Brian had been studying, "Looks like a security camera sir."
"Yep, and you know what means," Brian replied as he fished out a piece of gun from his coat pocket.
The officer looked blankly at his Detective, "..."
Exasperated, Brian finished as he walked away, "Just get me some visual."
"Yes sir."
The bed floated down to the front doors of the Two Six. Home, sweet home, Newton said as he hopped off the bed and opened the double doors. The bed floated in.
Behind the desk sat Mystics little imp. Hi there, Newton said. He put you on phone duty? he chuckled. Wheres Mystic?
"Master is to be back soon." Satanz looked at the phone puzzled as to what "phone duty" was. "Imp is guard. Let no one in or out who isn't supposed to be."
The tiny imp puffed up his chest and held up his fists. "You safe. You can sleep round master. Satanz protect."
I have no doubt, Satanz, Newton said soberly. I learned long ago that appearance does not matter. I have no doubt you could absolutely pulverize me if you wished. He grinned. I sure hope you dont wish it.
Sting eyed the imp. "This place is just getting stranger and stranger. And coming from a walking bug-man that's serious."
He got up and gingerly made his way to what had been assigned the 'clinic'. He was stunned when he saw the spotless condition of the area.
"Hmmm, someone else actually cares to clean this place too."
He climbed into a cot, worn out from even the short trip, and quickly fell asleep.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Newton stepped out of the elevator and wandered down the hallway. Hey, RJ, hows he doing? he asked as he entered Stings room. Have you seen the news? Crey has got a really good pr program going; we should get one, too. He smiled at the other hero. Im beginning to believe that its not what you do, its how you put a spin on it. The Two-Six needs a good spin doctor. He thought about it for a moment. The Two-Six needs a REALLY good spin doctor.
He pulled a chair up next to Sting. Hey, buddy. I got our dragon goop sample. It looks like someone is trying to create faster, stronger hydras. They combined it with lizard DNA. I think Mystic is probably going to have us sewer diving again. He glanced over toward RJ and winked. Wont that be an absolute blast.